Travel Trailer Sway Control Tips
No matter how much RV experience you have, travel trailer sway can leave you feeling like things are spinning out of control, which is the last feeling you want to have on vacation. Luckily, there are steps you can take to bring your travel trailer sway under control. Just follow this guide from River City RV, and you’ll be back to enjoying your vacation in no time.
Inspect Your Tires
A successful towing experience starts before you hit the road. Your first step is to conduct a pre-trip inspection of your tow vehicle and your travel trailer. Make sure that all the tires are inflated to the right air pressure and have enough tread. Good tire health means better traction, and better traction means less swap.
Load Your Travel Trailer Strategically
The most common cause of travel trailer sway is misplaced weight. Try to load your trailer so that 10% to 12% of the weight lies on the tongue. If needed, you can take your travel trailer to a commercial scale at a truck stop or material supply to adjust the weight. In general, the weight should be even from left to right with heavier items put towards the front.
Upgrade Your Travel Trailer
If you are experiencing a lot of travel trailer sway, consider installing a friction sway control device. This device puts resistance on your travel trailer and tow vehicle, which in turn reduces the impact of sharp turns and wind gusts.
Avoid Heavy Wind
Heavy winds are the second biggest cause of travel trailer sway. If the forecast on your route predicts a lot of heavy wind, consider leaving on a different date or otherwise finding a way to avoid the dangerous weather. If you do get caught up in heavy winds, remain calm and try to keep yourself going as straight as possible. Avoid jerking from side to side or slamming on the brakes. If things get really bad, pull over until it is safe to proceed.
We here at River City RV hope you find these tips useful on your future travel trailer trips. To view our selection of new and pre-owned travel trailers, visit our dealership in Grants Pass, Oregon. If you are not sure which model would best suit you, let our knowledgeable staff help! We are proud to serve communities like Medford, Oregon, and we hope to see you soon.